Partey gets first 90 minutes for Atletico

Despite the headlines being about Fernando Torres' scary head injury, Thomas Partey got his first start in La Liga this season as Atletico Madrid held Deportivo La Coruna to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old Ghanaian got the nod of coach Diego Simeone in the line-up and did not disappoint as he gave a yeoman performance at the Estadio Riazor.

Partey had one shot, three key passes, an 89.9% pass accuracy and 81 touches of the ball, the joint-second highest for his side, just one behind midfielder Gabi.

The hosts took the lead via Florin Andone on 13 minutes and it took Atletico almost an hour to equalise via Antoine Griezmann.

The draw left Atletico Madrid nine points adrift of third-placed Sevilla.

It was Partey’s first full 90 minutes in all competitions this season where he has made five appearances in La Liga and three in the Uefa Champions League.

He will hope that Thursday’s performance was pleasing enough for Simeone to keep playing him in the side as they continue to push for a place among the top sides in the Spanish top flight.